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PC - Minutes - 06-02-25Minutes of the PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING May 5, 2025 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Commissioner Berry INVOCATION — Commissioner Lopez ROLL CALL — Commissioner Berry, Commissioner Lopez, Vice -Chair Ung and Chair Escobar are present. Commissioner Tang is absent. STAFF PRESENT — Director of Community Development Valenzuela, Acting Planning and Economic Development Manager Lao, Assistant Planner Jiang, and Commission Liaison Lam. 1. EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURES AND APPEAL RIGHTS City Attorney Justin Tamayo presented the procedure and appeal rights of the meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There being no comments, Chair Escobar opened and closed the Public Comment period. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. DESIGN REVIEW 22.03 — Eduardo Heredia has submitted a Design Review application, requesting to construct a new 3,247 square foot, two-story single-family dwelling unit with an attached three -car garage towards the rear of the lot. The granting of a Discretionary Site Plan and Design Review is required for any dwelling unit to be constructed that equals or exceeds two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of developed living area. In addition, the applicant is also proposing to construct a 2,053 square foot, two-story single-family dwelling unit with an attached two -car garage towards the front of the lot, however, the proposed dwelling unit is not subject to Discretionary Site Plan and Design Review and will be reviewed through an Administrative Site Plan and Design Review. The subject site is located at 3454 Burton Ave (APN: 5289-007-035) in the Single Family Residential (R-1) zone. B. PC RESOLUTION 25-05-A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 22-03, PERMITTING A NEW, TWO-STORY, 3,247 SQUARE -FOOT SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT, WITH AN ATTACHED THREE -CAR GARAGE. THE SUBJECT SITE IS LOCATED AT 3454 BURTON AVENUE (APN: 5289-007-035), IN THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONE. C. CEQA - Section 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines exempts projects consisting of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. Accordingly, Design Review 22-03 is classified as a Class 3 Categorical Exemption, pursuant to Section 15303 of California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2025 1 of 6 D. STAFF RECOMMENDATION — It is recommended that the Planning Commission ADOPT Resolution No. 25-05 with findings (Exhibit "A"), and APPROVE Design Review 22-03, subject to the 44 conditions outlined in Attachment "A" attached hereto. Assistant Planner Jiang presented the staff report. Chair Escobar opened the Public Hearing. Vice -Chair Ung wanted to confirm that the property is over 8,000 square feet and they are allowed to build two units. Assistant Planner Jiang confirmed that is correct. Vice -Chair Ung commented that she appreciates that the entire property area is being re -developed with new structures, and it is following the Zoning Code. Commissioner Lopez had no comments. Commissioner Berry requested clarification regarding the plot plans. He stated one page shows landscaping on the side of the home, another shows concrete, and additional pages show a combination of concrete and landscaping. He requested clarification, as it appeared there was a significant amount of concrete, with only a small landscaped area in the front. Commissioner Lopez asked if that was the walkway. Acting Planning and Economic Development Manager responded that the lot will still comply with the landscaping requirement, which is twenty percent of the lot. She acknowledged that the plans were inconsistent andexplained that a concrete walkway with a landscaping strip is proposed and will be resolved once the applicant submits their final landscaping plans. Commissioner Berry asked whether the City allows concrete to extend up to the property line behind the home, where the pool is located. Acting Planning and Economic Development Manager confirmed that it was allowed and the pool will surrounded by concrete.. Commissioner Berry asked about the City's guidelines for artificial turf, as opposed to natural landscaping or permeable bricks. Acting Planning and Economic Development Manager responded that the Planning Division has established a policy allowing artificial turf to cover up to twenty-five percent of the landscaped area. Commissioner Berry commented that while some people may view artificial turf negatively,since it involves placing plastic over natural ground, which can lead to additional issues, he is pleased that the site is being developed thoughtfully and appreciates seeing a good amount of landscaping included. Chair Escobar asked if the applicant wishes to come up and speak. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2025 2of6 The applicant's designer and representative, Hipolito Serrano, stated his name and address for the record. He noted that the property owner was also in attendance and that they were both available to answer any questions or concerns from the Commissioners. Commissioner Lopez commented that the home will be beautiful. Commissioner Berry asked if the two people in the audience were the owners of the home. Mr. and Mrs. Heredia confirmed that they are. Commissioner Berry congratulated them on their new home. There being no additional questions or public comments, Chair Escobar closed the hearing period and requested a motion and a second motion. ACTION: Commissioner Berry motioned to approve the project and PC Resolution 25-05 and seconded by Commissioner Lopez. Vote resulted in: Ayes: Berry, Lopez, Ung and Escobar Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Tang Vote resulted in 4 Ayes, 0 Noes, and 0 Abstain,1 Absent. Director of Community Development Valenzuela explained the ten-day appeal process. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR PC MINUTES O4-21.25 Chair Escobar requested motions to approve the minutes. ACTION: Commissioner Berry motioned to approve, and Commissioner Lopez seconded the motion. Vote resulted in: Ayes: Berry, Lopez, Escobar, and Ung Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Tang Vote resulted in 4 Ayes, 0 Noes, and 0 Abstain,1 Absent. 5. MATTERS FROM STAFF Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2025 3of6 No matters from Staff. 6. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIR & COMMISSIONERS Vice -Chair Ung asked about the protocol for trash left on the street, noting that she has observed an increase in discarded furniture. Director of Community Development Valenzuela responded that residents can use the mobile app or visit the City's website to submit a request through the "Rosemead Round the Clock" program to report the issue. She added that Code Enforcement and Public Works are responsive in addressing these requests, often coordinating with Republic Services. She noted that unfortunately, there has been an increase in instances of people illegally dumping furniture on the streets or in trash containers at shopping centers. Commissioner Lopez commented that residents can call Republic Services to schedule a pickup. He also praised the staff for the success of the two recent grand openings in the City, stating that they went well and that he had a great time. He inquired about the date for the grand opening of Da Vien Coffee. Director of Community Development Valenzuela responded that the grand opening for Da Vien Coffee is coming soon. The City has provided grants for their signage and outdoor seating. She emphasized that the City is committed to supporting businesses throughout the area and creating a business -friendly environment. Commissioner Berry commented that these grants really help these small businesses in the City. Commissioner Lopez commented that their efforts of improving Garvey Avenue is showing signs of improvement. Director of Community Development Valenzuela agreed that Garvey Avenue is gradually improving. She added that once the Taiwan Center is completed, it will help clean up that comer of Garvey Avenue. Commissioner Lopez asked whether the Taiwan Center will have only offices on the second floor, or if it will also include residential units. Director of Community Development Valenzuela responded that the Taiwan Center will no longer have residential units. It was originally planned as a mixed-use project, but will not be a commercial project. Commissioner Lopez commented that it will be a nice project. He then questioned whether Bake and Che is a part of Da Vien Coffee or if they are separate businesses. Director of Community Development Valenzuela replied that they separate owners, but are acquaintances. She added that they are a great addition to the City. While the grand opening for Bake and Che may be slightly delayed, she will keep the Planning Commissioners informed about the new opening date. Commissioner Lopez commented that new Tea shop, ChaTraMue was good and he enjoyed it. Vice -Chair Ung commented that the LA Times was covering businesses on Instagram, including the new Vietnamese restaurant on Garvey Avenue. Chair Escobar added that she is very excited about the new restaurants and shops opening soon in the City. Commissioner Berry asked what the parameters are for the types of trees that can be planted in the parkway if someone builds a new house and plants a tree. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2025 4of6 Director of Community Development Valenzuela responded that City staff will review the type of trees and the diameter of the tree boxes. On private property, the Zoning Code requires that if an addition is being made or a new home is being built, one tree must be planted for every 50 feet of the lot frontage. Commissioner Berry further asked if there codes on what type of tree it must be. Director of Community Development Valenzuela replied that there are no specific requirements for tree types, but the City typically requires residents to install a 24 -inch box tree. If the tree is water -efficient, it must still meet the landscape requirements. Commissioner Berry commented that newly built homes near his residence have different types of trees planted, while the City recently spent time and money planting camphor trees along the street. He expressed that it would be nice if all the trees were cohesive. Director of Community Development Valenzuela questioned if that tree was planted on their property or on public property. Commissioner Berry replied that it is on the parkway. Director of Community Development Valenzuela replied that for street trees, Public Works has a set list of required tree species. She offered to have Public Works investigate the types of trees planted on that particular street. Commissioner Berry commented that he is curious about the tree requirements and suggested it would be beneficial to designate certain streets for specific tree species. He proposed that the City could focus on planting trees that are more native to California and Evergreen trees, especially since new parks cannot be built. He further added that having tree -lined streets, similar to those in Pasadena, would be a nice addition to the City. Director of Community Development Valenzuela replied that staff would inquire with Public Works and provide the Commissioners with an update. Vice -Chair Ung commented that a few weeks ago, the trees on Hellman Avenue were beautiful, as all the trees were in bloom. Commissioner Lopez inquired if all the homes on Mission Drive and Walnut Grove Avenue were sold. Director of Community Development Valenzuela replied that they are almost finished, with only one model home left. While not all the homes have been sold, they are experiencing some difficulties but are doing their best. More than half of the homes have already been sold. The Planning Commission expressed their gratitude to staff for all their hard work and congratulated Assistant Planner Jiang on her excellent presentation this evening. 7. ADJOURNMENT Chair Escobar adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m. The next regular Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2025 5of6 ATTJ EST: Li Lam Administrative Assistant Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2025 6of6 Emma Escobar Chair